BY: CHARLES NIKKO LIMON
After decades, the BCDA has reclaimed 247 hectares of land at the former US military airbase from the Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo).
This comes following the final and executory Supreme Court decision dated April 10, 2024.
After a brief lockdown during the takeover yesterday, operations at Camp John Hay resumed on January 7.
The former office of CJHDevCo has been closed, while the CAP Convention Center remains inaccessible to the public.
A “No Trespassing” notice issued by the BCDA is posted outside.
The order also covers other facilities and establishments within Camp John Hay.
BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang stated that this development paves the way for new investments and projects that will create socioeconomic opportunities and protect public interest.
He added that more businesses are expected to reinvest in Camp John Hay, generating additional jobs.
Despite this, the BCDA assures that the area’s culture and environment will be preserved and protected.
Meanwhile, Branch 6 of the Baguio Regional Trial Court upheld the Supreme Court’s decision after CJHDevCo appealed to block the turnover of the property to the BCDA.
According to Atty. Edgar M. Avila, former dean and law professor, the Supreme Court decision reaffirms the arbitral award issued in 2015.
Atty. Edgar M. Avila, Former Dean and Law Professor, mentioned, “Our understanding is that because the lease agreement between the BCDA and CJHDevCo was voided, the improvements based on the contract should now be turned over to the BCDA. It was not voided due to non-compliance but because the lease term has ended.”
Some employees fear losing their jobs, but the BCDA assured the local government of a peaceful transition, promising that no one will lose their employment due to the development.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong stated, “Only the General Managers will be affected. For the rest of the staff, they will stay in their positions.”
Some establishments declined to comment on the situation.
The BCDA encourages affected parties to contact their satellite office at Camp John Hay or send an email for inquiries.
